A GOLD Coast real estate agent who has sold millions of dollars worth of up-market homes is facing a possible ban for allegedly allowing her struck-off agent mother to act like an agent in her business.
Maserati-driving Sarah Penney-Filippini, 37, who sells million-dollar homes in the The Sovereign Islands estate on the Broadwater, is facing disciplinary charges in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal after an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading.
In a decision handed down on July 19, QCAT member Tina Guthrie ruled there were “sufficient grounds” for disciplinary action against Ms Penney-Filippini for breaking industry rules.
Guthrie ruled Ms Penney-Filippini acted unprofessionally in allowing her unlicensed mother, Heather Filippini, to interact with a potential purchaser during an open home and to negotiate a sale of another home.
A further hearing will be held to decide if the charges are proven and, if so, what sanction she will face.
Heather Filippini was permanently banned from operating as a real estate agent in 2009 after defying a suspension in 2006.
Three years ago she was fined $9000 and convicted of two counts of acting as a real estate salesperson without a current certificate in the Southport Magistrates Court.
Sarah, who trades under the name Island Realty, is alleged to have been aware that her unlicensed mother engaged in negotiations to sell a home in 2012 and that her mother spoke to a potential buyer at an open home at The Sovereign Islands in July 2012.
[Source: Bulletin]
